Exercise Apparatus

ABSTRACT

An exercise apparatus configured to combat postural maladaptations is provided. The exercise apparatus includes a rigid central spherical body having a channel passing through the center thereof through which a resilient band may be passed. The resilient band is removable and may be made of any suitable resilient material, such as, for example, a rubber material. The central spherical body may be formed of any suitable rigid or semi-rigid material that resists deformation.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an exercise apparatus, and more particularly to exercise apparatus to maintain tension on the muscles that do external rotation and abduction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Poor posture results from certain muscles tightening up or shortening while others lengthen and become weak, which often occurs as a result of one's daily activities. There are different factors which can impact on posture and they include occupational activities and biomechanical factors such as force and repetition. Risk factors for poor posture also include psychosocial factors such as job stress and strain. Workers who have higher job stress are more likely to develop neck and shoulder symptoms. One of the principal causes of poor posture is sustained immobile posture for long periods of time. In particular, sitting for prolonged periods is a great hindrance to good posture, and poor sitting posture is hard to rectify.

Poor posture can present in many different ways. It can present with rounded and elevated shoulders and a pushed-forward head position. This position places stress on the spine between the top of the neck and skull and the base of the neck and upper shoulders. There is a reduction in the stability of the shoulder blades resulting in changes to the movement pattern of the upper extremities. It can also present with a forward tilting of the hips, an increase in the curve of the lumbar spine, and a protruding stomach. This position places stress over both the hip joints and lower back.

There are numerous risks associated with poor posture. Poor posture can impede the ability of the lungs to expand. Posture, when correct, helps to increases one's ability to breathe, and allows muscles to work at optimum capacity. When slumped over, the lungs have less room to contract and inflate, therefore, decreasing its capacity to obtain the maximum amount of oxygen needed. Poor posture is also a main risk factor in many injuries. Many athletic injuries are the result of poor posture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Many embodiments are directed to an exercise apparatus including:

-   -   a spherical body having a channel running through a central axis         thereof; and     -   at least one resilient band having first and second ends and a         resilient band length disposed therebetween and configured to         pass through the channel such that the first and second ends         extend beyond the outer circumference of the spherical body.

In other embodiments the spherical body is one of either rigid or semi-rigid.

In still other embodiments the spherical body is formed of a semi-rigid foam material.

In yet other embodiments the spherical body is from 6 to 8 inches in diameter.

In still yet other embodiments the channel of the spherical body is from 0.5 to 3 inches in diameter.

In still yet other embodiments the resilient band is from 10 to 18 inches long.

In still yet other embodiments the resilient band is formed of a rubber or a latex material.

In still yet other embodiments the resilient band has a loop disposed at the first and second ends thereof.

In still yet other embodiments the resilient band is formed of a single loop.

In still yet other embodiments the apparatus includes at least two resilient bands having at least two different lengths and two different tensile strengths.

Other embodiments of the invention are directed to methods of exercising including:

-   -   providing an exercise apparatus comprising:         -   a spherical body having a channel running through a central             axis thereof, and         -   at least one resilient band having first and second ends and             a resilient band length disposed therebetween and configured             to pass through the channel such that the first and second             ends extend beyond the outer circumference of the spherical             body;     -   attaching a first end of the at least one resilient band to one         of either a first limb of a user;     -   attaching a second end of the at least one resilient band to one         of either a second limb of a user;     -   expanding the resilient band by moving the first and second ends         of the resilient band away from each other such that the first         and second limbs move away from the spherical body;     -   contracting the resilient band by moving the first and second         ends of the resilient band toward each other such that the first         and second limbs contact and compress against the spherical         body; and     -   repeat the expanding and contracting

In other embodiments the resilient band has a tensile strength and length such that the first and second ends of the resilient band are under tension throughout the expanding and contracting.

In still other embodiments the spherical body is one of either rigid or semi-rigid.

In yet other embodiments the spherical body is from 6 to 8 inches in diameter.

In still yet other embodiments the channel of the spherical body is from 0.5 to 3 inches in diameter.

In still yet other embodiments the resilient band is from 10 to 18 inches long.

In still yet other embodiments the resilient band is formed of a rubber or a latex material.

In still yet other embodiments the resilient band has a loop disposed at the first and second ends thereof.

In still yet other embodiments the resilient band is formed of a single loop.

In still yet other embodiments the apparatus includes at least two resilient bands having at least two different lengths and two different tensile strengths.

Additional embodiments and features are set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the specification or may be learned by the practice of the disclosed subject matter. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings, which forms a part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying data and figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 provides an image of an exercise apparatus in accordance with embodiments;

FIG. 2 provides an image of a central spherical body in accordance with embodiments;

FIGS. 3A and 3B provide images of an exercise apparatus in use for shoulder exercises in an expanded and contracted state in accordance with embodiments;

FIG. 4 provides an image from above of an exercise apparatus in use for shoulder exercises in an expanded state in accordance with embodiments;

FIGS. 5A and 5B provide images of an exercise apparatus in use for leg exercises in an expanded and contracted state in accordance with embodiments; and

FIGS. 6A and 6B provide images from above of an exercise apparatus in use for leg exercises in an expanded and contracted state in accordance with embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of the invention described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to precise forms disclosed. Rather, the embodiments selected for description have been chosen to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention.

Turning to the drawings, exercise apparatus configured to combat postural maladaptations are provided. In many embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the exercise apparatus (10) comprises a rigid central spherical body (12) having a channel (14) passing through the center thereof through which a resilient band (16) may be passed. In many such embodiments the resilient band (16) is removable and may be made of any suitable resilient material, such as, for example, a resilient woven material (such as, for example, a spandex or latex material), or a polymeric material (such as, for example, a rubber or other material). In various such embodiments the central spherical body (12) may be formed of any suitable rigid or semi-rigid material that resists deformation, such as, for example, a high-density foam. Alternatively, the central spherical body may be formed of a solid resilient material, such as in the form of a rubber or other polymeric material. In many embodiments a separate threading device (not shown) may be provided to insert the resilient band through the channel of the spherical body such that differently sized resilient bands may be used for suitable for various exercises (e.g., shorter for the upper body (i.e., shoulders) and longer for the lower body (i.e., hips/legs)). In either such embodiment the resilient band (16) must be of a length suitable such that opposite ends (18 a & 18 b) extend from either side of the central spherical body (12).

During operation, the exercise apparatus in accordance with embodiments maintains tension on a user's muscles that do external rotation and abduction, specifically to combat the postural adaptations that happen for sitting at a desk too long. Embodiments of the exercise apparatus are configured to maintain tension externally through a latex band (16), up until the point the user squeezes the hard foam ball (12) in the middle. The action is designed to alleviate tension from the muscles that do external rotation and adduction. In many embodiments, the user would move their elbows and hips in a pattern of horizontal abduction, in a desired position, such as seated, standing or squatting, for example.

The design and materials used in the construction of the various elements are selected to ensure tension is maintained on user's muscles once the tension on the resilient band is released. In many embodiments the spherical portion (12) of the exercise apparatus may be formed of a hard or low resilient material, such as a hard foam. In many other embodiments, the sphere is formed of a resilient material having a considerable amount of give such that once the user's limbs are moved inward past the extent of tension the sphere then serves as an exercise for the internal rotators/adductors. In such embodiments, there can be different densities of the sphere depending on how much pressure is required by the internal rotators to deform the sphere, however, memory foam would not be an acceptable substance as it would not allow resilient recovery of the spherical shape once the pressure form the user is released. Likewise, inflatable spheres are not capable of providing tension on the adductors/external rotators of the ball and socket joints and therefore would be less effective as an exercise tool. In many embodiments, the sphere may be from 5 to 8 inches in diameter, and in many embodiments around 6 inches in diameter. In various other embodiments, the sphere may have a channel from 0.5 to 3 inches and, in many embodiments 1 to 2 inches, in diameter, running through the center of the sphere through which the resilient band may be threaded. It will be understood that in embodiments these dimensions can be critical in ensuring the appropriate tension is applied to the desired muscle groups throughout the operation of the exercise apparatus.

In many embodiments the resilient band is removable from the spherical body of the exercise apparatus and may be formed of any suitable resilient material, including a woven fabric or polymeric material, such as, for example, a stretch fabric including spandex or lycra, or a resilient polymer material including rubber, latex, etc. In various embodiments the exercise apparatus may comprise multiple resilient bands of various sizes. In some such embodiments, the resilient band may have a length from 12 to 18 inches, and may be from 0.5 to 3 inches in width, and in some embodiments from 1 to 2 inches wide. In some embodiments, the resilient bands may be configured to have a length suitable for a range of motion for a user's upper body, which in many embodiments may be from 10 to 13 inches long. In other embodiments, the resilient bands may be configured to have a length suitable for range of motion for a user's lower body, which in many embodiments may be from 13 to 18 inches long. It will be understood that in embodiments these dimensions can be critical in ensuring the appropriate tension is applied to the desired muscle groups throughout the operation of the exercise apparatus. In either such embodiment the band may be circular, or may be formed with circular ends (18 a & 18 b, for example) such that the resilient band may be fitted around the arms of the user. In addition, the tensile strengths of the bands may be adjusted depending on the usage to provide sufficient tension for the proposed use, e.g., upper or lower body. In many embodiments the tensile strength may be modified by altering the thickness of the resilient band. In some such embodiments the thickness of the resilient band may be from 0.4 to 1.6 mm in thickness. In some embodiments the resilient band may be provided with a sleeve, such as a cloth or other fiber sleeve (not shown) that runs through the channel of the spherical body and covers at least a portion of the length of the resilient band to prevent chafing of the user from the resilient band material. In various such embodiments the cloth sleeve only covers those portions of the resilient band configured to be engaged by the user.

Various embodiments are also directed to methods of exercising using an exercise apparatus according to embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6. In many such embodiments, a user slides their arms (FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4) or legs (FIGS. 5A, 5B and 6A, 6B) through loops (18 a & 18 b) created by a resilient band (16) traveling through the center channel of the spherical body (12) of the exercise apparatus. While in a desired posture (e.g., sitting, standing, squatting, etc.), they spread their elbows or knees as far as they can (FIGS. 3A, 4, 5A and 6A), then come to center, squeeze the spherical body (FIGS. 3B, 5B and 6B) and repeat. The fixed range of motion from the resilient bands allows for comfortable abduction/external rotation and the shut-off mechanism that the spherical body provides resets the exercise and allows for a greater level of difficulty than a device focused on just external rotation.

In various embodiments, the users places the hands together on the head when using it for an upper body exercise, and places their feet together when using it for a lower body exercise to center the movement where it needs to be.

In other embodiments the resilient band may form one large loop such that the spherical body may be positioned within the larger loop of the resilient band without requiring the resilient band to be disposed within the channel of the spherical body for operation.

Once the user is in the center position, squeezing the spherical body effectively helps shut off the muscles that do external rotation by activating the internal rotators. Specifically, in the human body, the shoulders and hips are both ball and socket joints, so the pec minor and subscapularis activate when you squeeze the spherical body. As a result, it makes the external rotation, handled by the rear delt, teres minor, and infraspinatus (i.e., back of the shoulder and rotator cuff), much harder and more effective. Likewise, in the lower body, squeezing the spherical body with the adductors makes the glutes, TFL, and fibers of the user's lumbar spine activate harder.

Accordingly, in many embodiments the juxtaposition of the ends of the resilient band and the central spherical body helps to rotate structures of a user's body backwards, alleviate pain, align posture, and tone up.

DOCTRINE OF EQUIVALENTS

This description of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form described, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teaching above. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications. This description will enable others skilled in the art to best utilize and practice the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to a particular use. The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims. 

1. An exercise apparatus comprising: a spherical body having a channel running through a central axis thereof; and at least one resilient band having first and second ends and a resilient band length disposed therebetween and configured to pass through the channel such that the first and second ends extend beyond the outer circumference of the spherical body.
 2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the spherical body is one of either rigid or semi-rigid.
 3. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the spherical body is formed of a semi-rigid foam material.
 4. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the spherical body is from 6 to 8 inches in diameter.
 5. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the resilient band is from 0.4 to 1.6 mm thick.
 6. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the resilient band is from 10 to 18 inches long.
 7. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the resilient band is formed of a rubber or a latex material.
 8. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the resilient band has a loop disposed at the first and second ends thereof.
 9. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the resilient band is formed of a single loop.
 10. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, comprising at least two resilient bands having at least two different lengths and two different tensile strengths.
 11. A method of exercising comprising: providing an exercise apparatus comprising: a spherical body having a channel running through a central axis thereof, and at least one resilient band having first and second ends and a resilient band length disposed therebetween and configured to pass through the channel such that the first and second ends extend beyond the outer circumference of the spherical body; attaching a first end of the at least one resilient band to one of either a first limb of a user; attaching a second end of the at least one resilient band to one of either a second limb of a user; expanding the resilient band by moving the first and second ends of the resilient band away from each other such that the first and second limbs move away from the spherical body; contracting the resilient band by moving the first and second ends of the resilient band toward each other such that the first and second limbs contact and compress against the spherical body; and repeat the expanding and contracting
 12. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein the resilient band has a tensile strength and length such that the first and second ends of the resilient band are under tension throughout the expanding and contracting.
 13. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein the spherical body is one of either rigid or semi-rigid.
 14. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein the spherical body is from 6 to 8 inches in diameter.
 15. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein the resilient band is from 0.4 to 1.6 mm thick.
 16. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein the resilient band is from 10 to 18 inches long.
 17. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein the resilient band is formed of a rubber or a latex material.
 18. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein the resilient band has a loop disposed at the first and second ends thereof.
 19. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, wherein the resilient band is formed of a single loop.
 20. The exercise apparatus of claim 11, comprising at least two resilient bands having at least two different lengths and two different tensile strengths. 